Day: December 30, 2006

Edit 1-21-07: Submissions for this project are now closed. An artist has been selected.

I wrote a story for my daughter. Howard and I both agree that it is a strong enough story that we’d like to see it made into a children’s book. I am seeking an artist who is interested in collaborating on the project. I know this may seem strange coming from someone who is married to an artist, but Howard and I have carefully considered everything and he just doesn’t have time to take on this project. It is much more important to all of us that he finish his next Schlock book.

I have already finished the text for this picture book and I intend to make it available for sale through Lulu.com. I don’t expect it to make very much money, but I’m willing to offer the artist a share in any profits. The artist will retain rights to the images just as I will retain rights to the text. The artist would also be part of negotiations should both the text and pictures get picked up by a publisher. With Howard’s books in print we are rapidly acquiring publishing contacts, so having the book picked up by a publisher is very possible. In addition Howard will blog about the book from the front of his site, telling 25,000 people how fantastic the artist is and showcasing some of the illustrations from the book.

The project would require the artist to create 25-30 pictures, including cover art. Characters must be recognizable from picture to picture. Horses will feature prominently in the book, so the ability to draw them is a must. In picture books the text is only half the story, so I’ll be looking for an artist who can expand upon my words in visual form. I am open as to what style the illustrations should use. Some examples of illustrations styles that appeal to me are found in the following books: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Harry Potter books, Where’s My Teddy, I Lost My Bear, Ish, and Tuesday.

If you are an artist interested in this project here are the submission guidelines:

Read the text below and produce 1 or 2 pictures to illustrate the words. (or submit several samples of existing work to demonstrate your style.) Also submit an illustration of a horse. Size these images so that they are no larger than 400 x 400. Attach the pictures to an email and send it to sandratayler at livejournal.com with the subject line: Picture submission. I may email you for larger/higher resolution images, but do not send them to me unasked. The submitted pictures will be considered concept art. The artist would have access to the entire text of the book before drawing completed images. In the text of the message please introduce yourself and briefly tell why you’re a good choice for this project.

I will be accepting submissions until January 20. I will then make a selection and begin contractual negotiations for the completion of the project.

Book Text:
Amy was excited by the whole world. Each morning she sprang out of bed with a head full of thoughts and feet ready to put them into action.

On Monday she climed to the very top of the jungle gym and was jumping up and down to fly like a dragon. The school Yard Duty called to her to come down for heaven’s sake.

Once again I am forced to come to the conclusion that taking a vacation is good for me. It always seems like life is too crazy for me to drop everything and go somewhere, but every time that I do, I come back invigorated. I am full of plans and optimism and energy. Since I’ve come home I have sorted through our books and culled out a few more rejects. I have culled through my closet and made space for the new clothes I got. I have stared at the boys’ closet and spun plans for making cubbyholes on the shelves because it might be easier to keep organized, or maybe just acquire lots of clear plastic tubs with labels on them. I have decided that I will finally break down the empty boxes in the storage room and shove them into the recycle bin before next pick up day. I plan to arrange for a pick up of all the thrift store stuff I want to give away. I stared at the master bathroom and considered painting it this month, or maybe I’ll repaint my office, or the kids’ bathroom, but what really needs paint is the kitchen/livingroom. I repotted four little plants. I dug up some bulbs from my front yard to see if I can convince them to bloom inside for me. I gathered all of these green things together in one space to be my winter garden. I wandered in the yard and made plans that I’ll get out and do yardwork during those inevitable 50 degree days that always tease me in January and February. I spent hours browsing on amazon.com for flower seeds to plant around the grape plants that will be growing this next spring, having them all lined up on my list is like wandering through a blooming garden, sort of. Oh, and I need to finish construction on the grape arbor too. While I was browsing Amazon I went looking for little hair jewels that my friend showed to me, yup they’re there. I’ve planned two possible road trips. One that lasts two weeks and heads east, one that lasts one week and heads northwest. I also calculated cost on those trips. This inspired me to start reading grocery store sales flyers again. I need to stock up on cheap food. I planned breakfast, lunch, and dinner for today. I even pulled stuff out of the freezer so it can thaw.

My brain is abuzz and things are getting done. I wish more of my days could be like this. Which brings me back to the point that I need to schedule more vacations.